Music, history and architecture
Nestled in Milan’s Via Filodrammatici stands the unassuming yet beautiful Teatro alla Scala. Its unpretentious facade is a deliberate nod to the architectural style of its era. During a special visit, a select group of international media had the privilege of exploring this renowned venue behind the scenes.
It is evident that Teatro alla Scala’s facade draws inspiration from neoclassical architecture, a prevailing style during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Neoclassical design often emphasises clean lines, symmetry, and a sense of proportion, which align with the theatre’s elegant yet simple exterior.
The evening before Yuja Wang’s performance, we had the opportunity to watch her rehearse Olivier Massiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie at this prestigious venue. She followed in the footsteps of numerous Rolex Testimonees who have graced the stage — where Venezuelan conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel conducted his first Don Giovanni and Italian opera singer Cecilia Bartoli recently returned after an extended absence. Teatro alla Scala also attracts the finest stage directors, from Robert Wilson to Robert Lepage.
Nicknamed “La Scala,” which translates to “Theatre at the Stairway,” the theatre’s name stems from its location on the site of a former Gothic church called Santa Maria alla Scala. Established in 1776 under the patronage of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, it replaced a previous theatre that was destroyed by fire. In 1872, it came under the ownership of the city of Milan. Its very first performance featured Antonio Salieri’s opera Europa riconosciuta, a dramatic tale of love, violence, and political strife spanning 38 scenes.
The primary focus of Teatro alla Scala has consistently been its opulent and grandiose interior. The theatre boasts lavish interior decorations, grand chandeliers, and exquisitely adorned boxes and galleries, creating a stark contrast with its unembellished exterior. The theatre’s current structure, inaugurated in 1778, is emblematic of classical architectural influences that characterised the period. The facade reflects the architectural tastes and trends of its time. Additionally, the facade serves a civic purpose, overlooking Milan’s central Piazza della Scala, contributing to the city’s architectural harmony.
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate that the facade has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, preserving the historical and cultural significance of the theatre. Proposed major alterations would likely face resistance due to its iconic status as a symbol of Milan’s cultural heritage.
While Teatro alla Scala is renowned for its exceptional opera performances, it extends its stage to ballet and symphonic concerts, including hosting the acclaimed La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra.
The theatre’s exceptional acoustics are attributed to the auditorium’s curved horseshoe shape, its relatively intimate size, and the choice of construction materials. Its acoustical prowess is such that even a hushed conversation on stage can be distinctly heard in the highest gallery.
Teatro alla Scala holds the distinction of hosting the world premieres of numerous famous operas, including Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco and La Traviata, as well as Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The theatre boasts a rich history of nurturing Italian opera.
Teatro alla Scala has been graced by performances from some of the most renowned classical composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Puccini. Its storied tradition and historic significance establish it as a cultural landmark in Milan and an enduring symbol of Italian opera.